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TITLE IX

At ABU any form of sexual harassment, verbal or physical, is viewed as inconsistent with Biblical teachings and University standards. Such harassment is considered illegal sex discrimination and violates Title IX of the 1982 Education Act for Students. Individuals found in violation will be subject to disciplinary action and possible charges by local law enforcement agencies. Complaints of any harassment should be reported immediately to the VP of Student Affairs. In all cases confidentiality will be adhered to except as required by law.

 

What is Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs and activities. All public and private schools receiving any federal financial assistance must comply with Title IX. Although commonly associated with sex-based discrimination in athletics, the law is much broader. The act seeks to reduce or eliminate barriers to education opportunity caused by sex discrimination.

 

The law states that: No person in the United States shall, based on sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

 

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in all University programs and activities, including, but not limited to, admissions, recruiting, financial aid, academic programs, student services, counseling and guidance, discipline, class assignment, grading, recreation, athletics, housing, and employment. Sexual violence and harassment are forms of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. This statute also prohibits retaliation against individuals for making or participating in complaints of sex discrimination.

 

As a religious institution, the University is exempt from certain provisions and retains the right to make legitimate employment, admission, and educational decisions based on religious tenets, consistent with applicable laws (Title IX, First Amendment, and Religious Freedom Restoration Act). Since ABU is controlled by a religious institution, there is a limitation to the extent that Title IX effects policies and procedures. According to 20 U.S.C. § 1681(a)(3); 34 C.F.R. § 106.12, ABU is free to follow the doctrinal standards of Scripture to establish perimeters which adhere and respect its doctrinal positions.

 

Sexual harassment includes any actions or words that produce a hostile work or learning environment. Sexual harassment can take different forms, including:

  • Verbal – Sexual innuendos, suggestive comments, jokes of a sexual nature, sexual propositions, threats, etc.

  • Non-verbal – Sexually suggestive objects or pictures, graphic commentaries, suggestive or insulting sounds, leering, whistling, obscene gestures, etc.

  • Physical – Unwanted physical contact, including touching, pinching, brushing the body, and/or coerced sexual intercourse or contact, assault, etc.

 

Sexual violence is a form of sexual harassment which includes conduct that is criminal. There are many types of sexual violence, including but not limited to:

  • Rape

  • Sexual assault or battery

  • Sexual coercion

  • Unwanted touching

  • Dating violence

  • Stalking

 

If you experience or witness sexual harassment, we strongly encourage you to notify the University’s Title IX Coordinators at psmith@abu.edu or jsnipes@abu.edu. Even if you are uncertain that what you have experienced or witnessed constitutes sexual harassment, we encourage you to report it. ABU is fully committed to assisting any ABU student who has experienced sexual assault and or harassment, and to providing programs aimed at preventing such crimes. Students can also report such crimes anonymously at www.abu.edu/campus-safety

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